Student Accommodation in Dundee: A City Guide for 2026/27

Dundee is one of Scotland's most student-friendly cities, with over 17,000 students across two universities. Consistently ranked as one of the most affordable places to study in the UK, Dundee combines low living costs with a strong cultural offer, a compact and walkable city centre, and a waterfront that has been significantly regenerated in recent years. It is particularly well regarded for design, gaming, biomedical sciences and research, and has a relaxed, unpretentious character that suits students who want to focus on their studies without the higher costs of Edinburgh or Glasgow.

Universities in Dundee

University of Dundee has around 13,000 students and is a research-intensive university with particular strengths in medicine, dentistry, life sciences, art and design, and law. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for research quality and student satisfaction, and its medical and dental schools are highly regarded internationally. The main campus is located in the west of the city centre, close to Hawkhill and the Nethergate.

Abertay University has around 4,000 students and is based in the heart of Dundee city centre on Bell Street. Abertay is internationally recognised for its games development and ethical hacking programmes, and is one of the leading universities in the world for computing and technology. Its city-centre location makes it convenient for students living in most parts of Dundee.

Where do students live in Dundee?

Dundee is a compact city and most student areas are within walking or cycling distance of both universities.

Hawkhill and West End

The area immediately surrounding the University of Dundee's main campus, stretching west from the city centre along Hawkhill and the Perth Road. This is the most popular student area in Dundee, with a high concentration of shared houses, cafés, independent shops and bars. Perth Road in particular is known for its independent character and is a social hub for students at the University of Dundee.

City centre

Central Dundee is convenient for both universities — Abertay's campus is in the city centre itself, and the University of Dundee is within easy walking distance. A growing number of purpose-built student accommodation options are located here, and the city centre has good access to shops, transport and the waterfront.

Stobswell and Hilltown

Residential areas to the north-east of the city centre, generally more affordable than the West End. Popular with students looking for lower rents, and within cycling distance of both campuses.

Broughty Ferry

A coastal suburb to the east of Dundee, around 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. More expensive and further from campus than central areas, but popular with students who want a quieter, seaside setting. The beach and village feel make it a distinctive choice.

Types of accommodation in Dundee

The University of Dundee provides managed hall places primarily for first-year students, with several halls located on and around the main campus. Abertay does not operate its own halls but has partnerships with private providers. For students in private accommodation, Dundee offers a mix of shared houses — concentrated in the West End and Hawkhill areas — and a growing number of purpose-built student halls in the city centre. Dundee is one of the more affordable PBSA markets in Scotland.

Featured student residence in Dundee

The following property is listed in full on Hallbookers with complete room information, facilities and student reviews.

• Hub Students — 17 Hawkhill, Dundee, DD1 5DL. En-suite rooms within shared 4 and 5-bedroom flats, 5 minutes' walk from the University of Dundee and 10 minutes from Abertay University.
• All bills and Wi-Fi included. No deposit required. En-suite rooms from £151/pw (50-week contract) or £155/pw (44-week contract).
• Flexible and second-semester contracts also available. View full listing on Hallbookers

What to expect from PBSA in Dundee

Purpose-built student accommodation in Dundee typically offers en-suite rooms in shared flats, with all bills and Wi-Fi included in the rent. Communal facilities commonly include social spaces, laundry, bike storage and on-site management. Dundee is one of the most affordable PBSA markets in Scotland — en-suite rooms typically start from around £150/pw — and no-deposit options are available at several properties.

Getting around Dundee

Dundee is compact and most students travel on foot or by bicycle between accommodation and campus. The city's bus network covers all main areas, with stops close to both university campuses and the main student residential areas. Dundee train station is approximately 13 minutes on foot from Hawkhill, with regular services to Edinburgh (under an hour), Glasgow (approximately 90 minutes) and Aberdeen (approximately 70 minutes). The station also serves the University of St Andrews indirectly — frequent buses connect Dundee to St Andrews in around 30 minutes.

Student life in Dundee

Student life in Dundee is centred on two students' unions. Dundee University Students' Association (DUSA) operates on the University of Dundee campus and runs bars, cafés, live events, clubs and societies throughout the year. It was voted one of the best students' unions in Scotland in the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. Abertay Students' Association serves Abertay University students from its city-centre base, with events, welfare support and societies.

Dundee's cultural offer has grown significantly in recent years. The V&A Dundee — Scotland's only design museum — is on the waterfront and hosts major international exhibitions. The McManus Art Gallery and Museum offers free entry to collections covering Dundee's history and fine art. The RRS Discovery, the historic Antarctic research ship, is moored on the waterfront and open to visitors. The Dundee Rep Theatre and DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) both have strong student followings. For outdoor activities, Broughty Ferry Beach is accessible by bus, and The Law — Dundee's landmark volcanic hill — offers panoramic views over the city and estuary and is a short walk from the West End.

Frequently asked questions about student accommodation in Dundee

Is Dundee affordable for students?

Yes. Dundee is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. Both private rents and PBSA prices are significantly lower than in Edinburgh or Glasgow, and general living costs are low.

Which area is best for University of Dundee students?

The Hawkhill and West End area is the most popular, being immediately adjacent to the main campus. It has the highest concentration of shared student houses and is within easy walking distance of lectures, the library and student union.

Which area is best for Abertay University students?

The city centre is most convenient for Abertay, with the campus on Bell Street in the heart of Dundee. Several PBSA properties are within easy walking distance of the campus.

How do students get to Edinburgh and Glasgow from Dundee?

Dundee train station has regular services to Edinburgh (under an hour) and Glasgow (approximately 90 minutes). A 16–25 Railcard gives a third off most rail fares and is worth having for regular travel.

Is it easy to get to the University of St Andrews from Dundee?

Yes. Frequent buses connect Dundee city centre to St Andrews in around 30 minutes, making Dundee a practical base for students at St Andrews who want lower rents and more city amenities.

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